Mission Statement

The mission of the Mt. Vernon R-5 School District in partnership with students, parents, teachers, business and the community, is to provide quality educational experiences to enable all students to reach their full potential and become healthy, responsible, productive citizens and lifelong learners.

Mt. Vernon's Class AAA school system includes three schools - an elementary, middle and high school. Two state colleges, as well as several private colleges are within 40 miles.  The public library, located at 206 W. Water, is part of a two-county library system which provides extensive services and houses the Lawrence County Historical Society's genealogy collection.

Student achievement is the best measure of the success of a school.  The Mt. Vernon R-5 School District accreditation is based in part on MAP and ACT scores.  The district encourages each child to do well on MAP tests.  Classroom instruction is geared to teaching the Show-Me Standards.  The Show-Me Standards are those skills and concepts which have been identified as important for all students to learn.

Vocational Programs

Vocational education is an essential part of the district's program of studies.  Business education classes provide computer instruction at the high school level.  At least one computer lab is located in each school building.  Each classroom, district-wide, has at least one computer  Computer skills are taught from kindergarten through high school. 

Middle school students have the opportunity to explore agriculture and then expand on their knowledge and skills while in high school.  Agriculture students have excelled at both the state and national levels in recent years. 

Junior and senior students may take a variety of vocational classes at the Southwest Career Center in Monett, Missouri.  These students learn skills needed on the job and for post-secondary education.  The district provides transportation for students interested in learning a trade while in high school.   

Mt. Vernon R-5 Teachers

All Mt. Vernon R-5 teachers are certified.  Love and respect for children in addition to being fully qualified are the characteristics the district expects of its teachers.  Different teaching methods are used to meet the learning styles of each child, thus providing the child with a fair chance to succeed at school.  Teachers use a variety of tools and instructional activities to make learning interesting.  Some of these tools include:

• Educational computer software programs

• SmartBoards to provide visual information

• Educational videos on a variety of subjects

• Cooperative learning opportunities to encourage student friendship and a feeling of belonging

• Field trips

• Visits to the library to research topics

• Guest speakers

• Multicultural information to help students learn about and respect other cultures

• Activities (recess, class parties, etc.) to help students learn appropriate social skills

• Praise, encouragement and high learning expectations for each child

• Hands-on activities and use of performance tasks to apply learned skills and knowledge

                                  Mr. Dan Breeden           Superintendent

                                   Mr. Russ Cruzan          High School Principal

                               Mrs. Jennifer Young          Director of Special Services

                                 Mr. Bob Senninger          Middle School Principal

                                       Mr. Rick Cook          Elementary School Principal

                              Ms. Patricia Rooney          Director of Curriculum

                                                                      A+ Coordinator

Community/School Teamwork

There is a lot of teamwork in our community.  Mt. Vernon residents work together to provide children with a safe, friendly environment.  The Mt. Vernon R-5 Schools appreciate the support of the community.  From booster clubs for sports, agriculture and band to parent-teacher organizations, the community teams with the school to support children.

For more information, please contact Superintendent of Schools, Dan Breeden at 417-466-7573.

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